Skip the Sweets and Give Kids the Taste of a Book

We are firm believers in practical gift giving, whether its for a birthday, holiday, or simply a special occasion. This Valentine’s Day, if you plan to opt out of the candy or traditional stuffed animal gift, give your kids books they’ll be sure to enjoy! There are a ton of great Valentine’s Day books perfect for kids of all ages.

Here are some of our favorite Kids Valentine’s Day books

Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool by Kimberly and James Dean

Pete the Cat is a huge favorite in our home. In this book, Pete learns how cool Valentine’s Day can be. This book not only comes with official Pete the Cat stickers, but also 12 punch out Valentine’s Day cards!

Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff

We spend hours going through our house and finding items this infamous mouse would pick up. If you are familiar with the “If You Give a Mouse A Cookie” books, you’ll love following your favorite mouse on adventures as he makes Valentines for all of his friends.

The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings by Mike Berenstain

The classic Berenstain Bears collection is continued through Stan & Jan Berenstain’s son Mike Berenstain. These are some of my favorite books to read with my kids. They always teach a valuable lesson and keep strong morals as the foundation of each story. In this lesson of love, Brother Bear isn’t sure what to do after he receives a secret Valentine.

Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney

The Llama Llama books are perfect for beginner readers, with their rhyming words and short sentences. The series is always a go-to for sight word recognition and simple word pronunciation. In this Valentine’s Day feature book, little Llama gives cards and hugs to family and friends.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose! by Lucille Colandro

The Old Lady who has swallowed everything from a turkey to a clover is back! This time she’s swallowing items to make a very special and memorable Valentine’s Day. When reading these books with my kids, we always get super silly.

Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime (Junie B. Jones 14) by Barbara Park

Junie B. Jones is a great series for young readers, specifically in grades 1-3. For my older son, we love incorporating chapter books into our reading, especially those he can read on his own. This tale is sure to make your kids laugh and get a little silly as Junie tries to figure out the secret admirer who left her a mushy valentine.

Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Nate the Great is the latest mystery series my son loves. Readers can sharpen their problem solving skills while trying to crack the case! In each book, we try to see if we can solve the case before Nate. This Valentine’s edition leaves Nate on a search to figure out who left a valentine for his dog.

Skip the sweets this Valentine’s Day, cuddle up with your little ones, and share a great book. Not only will you be increasing those reading skill, but more importantly getting in some great quality time!